In this Feb. 20, 2012, file photo, customers walk into and out of a Wal-Mart store in Methuen, Mass.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

HADLEY — Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of groups seeking to raise the state's current minimum wage of $8, plans to hold rallies Wednesday at the Statehouse and various other Bay State locations, including Walmart stories.

To that end, a rally is planned for the Walmart at 337 Russell St. (Route 9), Hadley, today at noon.

Raise Up Massachusetts supports a proposed ballot question for November 2014 that would raise the state's minimum wage and establish earned paid sick time for workers.

The commonwealth's current minimum wage was last raised on July 24, 2009. Critics say it's time to hike the rate so low-wage workers can afford to live in Massachusetts, one of the wealthiest state's in the union.

Senate President Therese Murray, who has yet to back any specific proposal, has signaled her willingness to raise the issue during the current legislative session, but some business groups claim a higher minimum wage translates into higher costs, which could ultimately hurt business and the state's economy.

Material from the Associated Press, the Republican and State House News Service was used in this report.